Murfreesboro, TN - Our friends at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital ask "What is it like living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?" Patients often describe COPD as trying to run a race while breathing through a tiny straw. For the millions of Americans living with this debilitating disease, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic coughing, wheezing, and difficulty with everyday tasks are daily challenges.

COPD is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, but the true number is likely much higher, as many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. Tennessee has one of the highest rates of COPD in the country, with more than 500,000 people affected.

November marks National COPD Awareness Month, a critical time to educate the public about this progressive disease. COPD is responsible for a COPD-related death every four minutes in the U.S. Raising awareness about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis can help patients lead healthier, more productive lives.

Understanding COPD

COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and severe asthma. It restricts airflow, making it difficult to breathe. Many patients experience a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over time, the disease can severely impact daily life, interfering with work, household tasks, sleep, and even heart function.

Most individuals with COPD are unaware of their condition until their late 40s or older, making early detection essential for slowing its progression.

Who Is at Risk?

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD in the United States, responsible for 80% of COPD-related deaths, according to the CDC. Secondhand smoke, air pollution, and occupational exposure to harmful substances also contribute to the disease.

Symptoms of COPD

Common symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing

• Chronic cough, often with mucus

• Lack of energy

• Chest tightness

• Frequent respiratory infections

In the early stages, these symptoms can be subtle and may be mistaken for normal aging or a lack of fitness. However, it is important to report any respiratory symptoms to a healthcare provider, as early diagnosis can slow disease progression.

Doctor's Insight: The Importance of Early Intervention

"Smoking is the leading cause of COPD in the United States and is especially prevalent in the southeast, which correlates with the high rate of smoking in Tennessee," said Dr. Robert Mildenhall, a board-certified pulmonary and critical care specialist at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. "COPD is also a leading cause of hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Patients with COPD worsen their condition not only by smoking but also by vaping or using electronic cigarettes. While COPD cannot be reversed or cured, quitting smoking can improve disease outcomes, as can adhering to prescribed maintenance inhalers."

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for COPD, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The most important step for those with COPD who smoke is to quit, as this can slow the disease's progression. Patients may also need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding lung irritants and changing jobs if exposed to harmful substances at work.

Treatment options may include:

• Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) via inhalers or nebulizers

• Oral steroids

• Inhaled steroids

• Supplemental oxygen

Next Steps

If you experience symptoms of COPD, it is important to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options. To find a specialist for your lung health at Ascension Saint Thomas, visit Find Care at Ascension.

About Ascension Saint Thomas

Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, non profit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 16 hospitals and 250 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its affiliated organizations employ more than 13,000 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 131,000 associates, 37,000 affiliated providers and 136 hospitals, serving communities in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Visit Ascension.org.